It seems there's no style of play (or music) this guitar won't accommodate with aplomb, and its depth of tone will delight anyone who's in search of the golden-era Martin luster.

Vintage Martin guitars don't come much cleaner than this 1940 000-18 -- a wonderful sounding example of a "rear-X" mahogany guitar. Beginning in 1939, Martin moved the placement of the X brace in their guitars slightly towards the bridge, resulting in a less-boomy, more balanced sound. In a 000-18 body, the rear-shifted X has the following effect ~ a slightly more aggressive midrange, with less woofiness in the low end and brighter trebles. None of the characteristic growl and woody sparkle inherent in a pre-war mahogany Martin is absent; and this particular instrument makes for a dreamy flatpick guitar if the player desires a 000 with the narrower 1 11/16" nut width. The rear-X voicing makes it a warm-yet-incredibly articulate fingerpicking guitar as well. Translation? It seems there's no style of play (or music) this guitar won't accommodate with aplomb, and its depth of tone will delight anyone who's in search of the golden-era Martin luster.

Condition: near mint, as far as vintage Martins are concerned. The perfect replica bridge was made by luthier, Jim Baggett, of Mass Street Music. All other structural components are original, including the internal bracing and the bridge plate. The finish is original throughout; and it would be accurately described as shockingly clean ~ even the amount of (expected) crazing that's present is extremely minimal by vintage standards. There's one extremely tight, sealed side crack (bass side, upper bout) which is virtually undetectable to the naked eye. The scattered small scratches present are the byproduct of regular use; and these too are scant compared to most other 80-year-old guitars. Simply put, this is a wonderful sounding 000-18, in the sort of condition that would excite players and collectors alike. On consignment; priced with non-original hardshell case. Payment is requested by check or wire transfer.